The Habitat for Humanity mission statement states, “We build hope for families, our community, and future generations. In creative partnership with people in need and the Nantucket community, we build and renovate homes for ownership. We make a positive difference in our world by creating opportunities for volunteers and family members to work together to secure our shared future.”
On Nantucket, most of the land for Habitat homes has come from the Town. Habitat provides ownership opportunities by providing 0% interest mortgages over 30 years, with no down payment or mortgage insurance required making the payments affordable. The homes are deeded permanently affordable.
The price and the homeowner selection is strictly managed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, (EOHLC). Homeowner selection involves a supervised lottery for families earning less than 80 % of the current Area Median Income (AMI). In 2024 the 80% number was $109,650. The latest lottery for 4 homes on Waitt Drive had 35 families qualify. The price set by the EOHLC for this lottery was $301,000 for the 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home and $254,000 for the 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath homes. These homes have been added to the Town’s Subsidized Housing Inventory list (SHI list).
Being able to buy a Habitat home enables residents to have stability, to save money and to plan for the future. In addition to income, residency and need requirements, owners must contribute at least 350 hours of their time to help get their house built.
A number of local contractors have been, for many years, discounting their services to help make the dream of ownership a reality for fellow islanders.
By the end of 2025 there will be 22 Habitat houses on Nantucket, with the majority of them – 15 – built since 2014. The homes are 2 and 3 bedrooms, some are free-standing and some are attached duplex units. The homes are scattered throughout the island in residential neighborhoods, usually near town water, sewer and transportation and are providing housing to over 100 year-round people. One of the most interesting points is that none of the Habitat homes have changed hands in the past 24 years. Habitat owners are, among others, people who work for the Town, the schools, the hospital, in the hospitality business, and the building industry.
Habitat welcomes volunteer participation from the community. Construction on two, 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath homes in a duplex is starting next month. The lottery for those homes will be held in early summer. Habitat for Humanity is a 501 (c)3 non-profit. Please consider supporting them in any way that you can. Please contact Allan Dias (774-368-3851), the Habitat construction supervisor, if you would like to volunteer.